Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds

We all know that there are some breeds of dog that are smarter than others. For example, we see the police force using German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers for fairly obvious reasons and it’s pretty unlikely that we’d ever see them using Chihuahuas or Bulldogs, right? So, let’s go through the top 10 smartest (most intelligent) breeds of dogs. These dogs are notoriously easy to train as they all have the desire to learn and please their owners. Is your dog on this list?

Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds:

10. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd (aka Alsatian and Alsatian Wolf Dog), is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany. German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, with their origin dating to 1899. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds are working dogs developed originally for herding and guarding sheep. Since that time, however, because of their strength, intelligence, trainability, and obedience, German Shepherds around the world are often the preferred breed for many types of work, including search-and-rescue, police and military roles, and even acting.

9. Australian Cattle Dog

As with dogs from other working breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog has a high level of energy, a quick intelligence, and an independent streak. It responds well to structured training, particularly if it is interesting and challenging. It was originally bred to herd by biting, and is known to nip running children. It forms a strong attachment to its owners, and can be protective of them and their possessions. It is easy to groom and maintain, requiring little more than brushing during the shedding period.

8. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a medium to large size breed of domestic dog. The dogs were known as “Rottweil butchers’ dogs” because they were used to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat and other products to market.

7. Doberman

The Doberman Pinscher (alternatively spelled Dobermann in many countries) or simply Doberman, is a breed of domestic dog originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. Doberman Pinschers are among the most common of pet breeds, and the breed is well known as an intelligent, alert, and loyal companion dog. Although once commonly used as guard dogs or police dogs, this is less common today.

6. Papillon

The Papillon is a very intelligent and self-assured dog that has a very easy time learning new tricks. This dog can be socialized to be good with children and strangers, but are generally reserved around new people. Young children should never handle Papillons without direct supervision as they are very fragile and can easily be injured. They can also be socialized to get along well with other pets, but care should be taken with rambunctious pets or cats with claws because they can play too roughly.

5. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever (simply Labrador, or Lab for short) is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. Even-tempered and well-behaved around young children and the elderly, Labradors are athletic and playful, and are the most popular breed of dog by registered ownership in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States (since 1991). A favourite assistance dog breed in these and other countries, Labradors are frequently trained to aid blind and autistic people, act as therapy dogs, and perform screening and detection work for law enforcement and other official agencies.

4. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, often known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dog. They are small to medium dogs, and come in a variety of colours, such as sable, tri-colour, and blue merle. They are vocal, excitable, energetic dogs who are always willing to please and work hard. They are partly derived from dogs used in the Shetland Isles for herding and protecting sheep. The breed was formally recognised by the Kennel Club in 1909.

3. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a medium to large-sized breed of dog. They were historically developed as gun dogs to retrieve shot waterfowl such as ducks and upland game birds during hunting and shooting parties. They were named retriever because of their ability to retrieve game undamaged. Golden Retrievers have an instinctive love of water. They have a dense inner coat that provides them with adequate warmth, and a water repellent outer coat that lies flat against their bodies.

2. Poodle

The poodle is a group of formal dog breeds, the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle (one registry organisation also recognises a Medium Poodle variety, between Standard and Miniature), with many coat colours. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the poodle is skilful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding. Poodles have taken top honors in many conformation shows, including “Best in Show” at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1991 and 2002, and at the World Dog Show in 2007 and 2010.

1. Border Collie

The Border Collie is a herding dog breed developed in the Anglo-Scottish border region for herding livestock, especially sheep.

Is your dog on the Top 10 Smartest Dog Breed List? Share your training experiences and views with us by leaving a comment below.

You may also like

About the author

Chelsea Dogs

We sell the finest pet accessories on the market. From luxury dog beds, designer dog collars and leads, ceramic dog bowls and treat jars plus a wide range of gifts and accessories that can be personalised with your dog's name, you are sure to find your pet's next favourite accessory here. Visit the shop by clicking the icon below.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.